Chapter 11, Problem 1RQ1

Summary Introduction

Introduction

Altruism consists of the motivation to help someone else, even if it comes at a cost to the one doing the helping. Sometimes people's helpful acts can stem more from self-interest, which involves hoping to receive something in return for their assistance. However, true altruism is when one's sole motivation for helping derives from a pure drive to benefit someone else, with no particular benefit to themselves.

Explanation of Solution

Correct answer and explanation

The best answer is (C), in which the best example of altruism involves Jawal donating money to a homeless shelter anonymously. Altruism involves the motivation to help other people, even when it comes at an expense to the one doing the helping. One's sole motivation for helping is to benefit someone else, with no benefit to themselves. Jawal's case of anonymously donating money to a shelter would qualify as altruism not only because his main drive was to help others but also due to the fact that he did not announce that he was doing so, thus indicating that he was not expecting anything in return.

Explanation for incorrect statements

Option (A) refers to Julia putting money in the church collection basket along with everyone else. However, this action would not qualify as altruism because, while it does come at some cost to herself, it occurred because she was simply doing what everyone else was doing. So, option (a) is incorrect.

Option (B) refers to Robert volunteering at his son's school to help his class. However, this scenario would actually be more akin to kin selection, which involves behaviors that aid a biological relative and are favored by natural selection. So, option (b) is incorrect.

Option (D) refers to Mary helping her husband with the dishes while hoping this will encourage him to make dinner more often. However, this situation would not count as altruism because Mary's assistance stems from self-interest. She hopes that her helpful action will be rewarded. So, option (d) is incorrect.

Therefore, the options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect.